Multi-compartment container

ABSTRACT

A multi container assembly comprising, a first container having an opening with a first securing means distal to the opening and integrated within an internal cavity of the first container and a protrusion extends upwards towards the opening and a second securing means is disposed on the protrusion, a second container wherein the first end has an opening and a first securing means distal to the opening and a second securing means distal to the second end, and a cap having a first securing means designed to mate with the first securing means of the first container and a protrusion extending downward from the internal cavity, wherein the protrusion has a second securing means designed to mate with the first securing means of the second container, wherein when the cap is secured to the first container and the second container a substantially impervious seal is formed.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a container, and more particular to a container that allows for the separation of the compositions while in storage and the mixing of the compositions at a desired time.

Most multiple compartment containers have a side by side division or have a compartment with a common closure. None of these have a smaller compartment fully enclosed by a larger compartment with each compartment remaining separate until a desired time and a desired action is performed to the container. The advantage of the latter is its compactness, the ease of accessibility with one closure not getting into the way of the other and the ability of placing different types of items in each compartment that would normally react when mixed.

Within the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement products and the delivery system of these products there is a problem when storing and delivering products. Many of the elements of these products are reactive to one another when mixed. Thus, it is necessary to store the elements separately until the product is being consumed or applied. Various attempts have been made to keep the elements separate until the desired time, but these attempts require multiple packaging, various coatings or sealants.

Thus, it is desired to have a delivery system that has multiple compartments and the contents of these compartments are not mixed until the desired time and that is commercially accessible to make, fill, and store.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention a multi container assembly comprising a first container having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening with a first securing means distal to the opening and integrated within an internal cavity of the first container and a protrusion extends upwards towards the opening and a second securing means is disposed on the protrusion, a second container sized to fit within the opening of the first container having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening and a first securing means distal to the opening and a second securing means distal to the second end, wherein the second securing means mates with the second securing means of the first container, and a cap having an internal cavity with a first securing means disposed on surface of the internal cavity designed to mate with the first securing means of the first container and a protrusion extending downward from the internal cavity, wherein the protrusion has a second securing means designed to mate with the first securing means of the second container, wherein when the cap is secured to the first container and the second container a substantially impervious seal is formed.

According to another aspect of the present invention a multi container assembly comprising a container having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening with a first securing means distal to the opening and a hollow protrusion extending upwards a predetermined distance and having a second end with an opening and a securing means distal to the opening at the second end, a cap having an internal cavity with a first securing means designed to mate with the first securing means of the container and a protrusion extending downward from an internal cavity, wherein the first protrusion has a second securing means designed to mate with the second securing means of the container, wherein when the cap is secured to the container and a substantially impervious seal is formed.

According to another aspect of the present invention a multi container assembly comprising a container having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening with a first securing means distal to the opening and integrated within an internal cavity of the first container and a protrusion extends upwards towards the opening and a second securing means is disposed on the protrusion, a cap having an internal cavity with a first securing means disposed on surface of the internal cavity designed to mate with the first securing means of the container and a hollow protrusion extending downward from the internal cavity and the hollow protrusion has an opening and a second securing means distal to the opening designed to mate with the second securing means of the container, wherein when the cap is secured to the first container and the second container a substantially impervious seal is formed.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded isometric view of a container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross section view of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross section view of the container, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross section view of the container, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be described as a delivery platform that is capable of delivering multiple product formulas as a single product in a single dose. The formulations are stored separated but are delivered in unison as the multiple formulas are mixed at the point of delivery which reduces the risk of ingredients interacting before consumed by the end user. This unique delivery gives birth to a brand-new breed of products that offers a multitude of applications and functionality.

The invention solves many aspects of product development. Compatibility, solubility, and stability between active and inactive ingredients. The formulation stage of product development usually introduces any issues between raw materials which leads to many products never getting launched. This enables new formulations that could not be delivered currently and offers products that have never been seen before. In addition, this delivery platform has also proven to increase taste masking aspects of many compositions that contain ingredients that are bitter and of bad taste. excipients in order to produce products that remain shelf stable and contain the same purity throughout the life of the product. For example, preservatives, solvents, stabilizers, and many other excipients are being used in almost all the formulations currently on the market today. The invention can offer a reduction or complete illumination of such excipients which creates cleaner products for consumers.

This delivery platform creates products that offer the ability to deliver multiple applications in a wide range of industries. This delivery system offers applications that are single dose and disposable or multi-dose and modular. The modular type offers attachments that are interchangeable and in many different designs specific to the type of product application such as liquid/liquid, liquid/powder, and liquid/pill formulations. In addition, the secondary vessels can offer pre-dosed formula's that can be attached and delivered with the main vessel then detached and repeated which offers a new safe dosing application for children and adults.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded isometric view of the container assembly 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The container is comprised of a first container 200, a second container 300, and a cap 400.

The first container 200, the second container 300, and/or the cap 400 may be made from, but not limited to, polyolefins, styrenics, polypropylene, copolymer polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, copolymer polypropylene, metals, or various other materials thereof known in the art. Additionally almost all resins used for preparing thermosetting plastic bottles can be used such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyamide, Polycarbonate, Polyvinylchloride (PVC), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Ultra high molecular weight (UHMW-PE), Polypropylene, Ionomar, and Poly-4-methyl-1-pantene (TPX). The parts may be made from various other materials such as wood, metal, or a combination of woods, metals, or plastics.

In some embodiments, the first container 200, the second container 300, and the cap 400 may be made from, but not limited to, injection, blow, compression, 3-D, thermoforming, foam molding, and the like. In some embodiments, the first container 200, the second container 300, and the cap 400 may be made from various other manufacturing techniques depending upon the material the parts are made out of and the machine process.

In the depicted embodiment, a threaded style locking mechanism is seen on the first container 200 and the second container 300. In additional embodiments, various detachable locking mechanism may be used, such as, but not limited to, threaded locks, snap lock, pressure fit lock, sliding lock or the like.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross section view of the container assembly 100 dissembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The first container 200 is designed to house the first product and also the second container 300. In the depicted embodiment, the first container 200 has a main compartment 205, a neck 206 with an opening 202 at a top end 201. The first container 200 has a predetermined shape, size, and volume based on the intended quantity or volume of the contents that are placed inside. In various embodiments, the first container 200 may have various shapes and sizes. The first container 200 has the opening 202 that is sized to receive the second container 300. The first container 200 is sealed, expect for the opening 202 to allow the first container 200 to hold a liquid, solid, or gas material. In the depicted embodiment, approximate to the opening 202 is a first securing means 204 exposed on the exterior surface of the first container 200 on the neck 206 which is designed to mate with the cap 400 to create a seal between the cap 400 and the first container 200. The seal created between the cap 400 and the first container 200 is a substantially air tight, water tight, and/or hermetic seal. Various types of seals may be employed, such as but not limited to mechanical sealing mechanisms, adhesives, welding techniques, induction seals, heat seals, or the like.

The first container 200 may have various volumes depending upon the intended purpose and quantities to be mixed. In some embodiment, the first container 200 ranges from 1 oz to 16 oz, and the second container 300 ranges from 5 ml to 100 ml dose sizes. In some embodiments, the container assembly 100 is a one-time use design. In some embodiments, the containers may be washed, cleaned, and reused.

In the depicted embodiment, the first container 200 has an extension 209 extending towards the top end 201 from a bottom surface 203. The extension 209 has a hollow design with a second securing means 207 integrated into the surface of the extension 209. The second securing means 207 is positioned so that the second container 300 when inserted into the first container 200 through the opening 202 can mate with the second securing means 207. In additional embodiments, the second securing means 207 may be integrated into the bottom surface 203 of the first container 200 depending on the thickness of the first container 200.

In various embodiments, more than one securing means may be implemented within the interior cavity of the first container 200 so that more than one containers may be attached if the desired mixture requires more than two parts. The opening 202 is sized to accommodate the multiple containers. The second securing means 207 is designed to secure the second container 300 in place so that the second container 300 is not damaged, broken, or opened, thereby releasing the contents of the second container 300 before the desired time.

The second container 300 is designed to contain a product that is desired to remain separate from the contents of the first container 200 until a predetermined time. In the depicted embodiment, the second container 300 is a substantially cylindrical container a compartment 306, a first securing means 302 located at a first end 301 and a second securing means 304 located at a second end 303. The first end 301 has an opening 305 and the second end 303 has an opening 307. The first securing means 302 is designed to mate with the reciprocal mating feature of the cap 400 and form a substantially air tight, water tight, and/or hermetic seal. The second securing means 304 is designed to mate with the second securing means 207 of the first container 200 and form a substantially air tight, water tight, and/or hermetic seal. When properly secured to the cap 400 and the first container 200, the content of the first container 200 and the second container 300 are separated. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second securing means 302 and 304 are substantially similar securing means. In additional embodiments, the first and second securing means 302 and 304 are different methods of accomplishing the desired seal. Various types of securing means may be employed by the first and second securing means 302 and 304. For example, a screw style lock, a snap lock, a pressure lock, a sliding lock or the like.

In some embodiments, the first end 301, the second end 303, or both ends are open with a seal (such as heat seal or induction seal) that provides the air tight, water tight, and/or hermetic seal over opens 305 and 307. This seal may be used to provide additional security so that the contents do not mix prematurely. In some of these embodiments, the first container 200 or the cap 400 may have a protrusion that is designed to puncture one or both of these seals so that either there is an elongated release period of the contents of the containers, or so that when the cap is removed (either with the second container 300 attached, or alone) the contents of the second container 300 are automatically introduced into the contents of the first container 200.

The cap 400 is designed to seal the contents of the first container 200 and the second container 300 and prevent the contents of the containers from mixing. The cap 400 also provides the desired security means to keep children or other individuals from gaining access to the contents. The cap 400 may be various types of caps with child-resistant, senior-friendly designs. In the depicted embodiment cap 400 has a first securing means 402 and a second securing means 404. The first securing means 402 is designed to mate with the first securing means 204 of the first container 200. The second securing means 404 is designed to mate with the first securing means 302 of the second container 300. In the depicted embodiment, the first securing means 402 and the second securing means 404 are integrated into the cap 400. In additional embodiments, an extension of the cap 400 may extend downwards and have the second securing means 404 integrated into the extension. The length at which the second securing means 404 extends from the interior surface 403 of the cap 400 is determined by the length of the second container 300. The cap 400 may have various designs and sizes to allow for easier gripping, security for children, or the like know to those of ordinary skill in the art. The cap 400 may be a single element with all necessary features integrated into the unitary design. In additional embodiments, the cap 400 may be constructed out of numerous parts to create the desired functionality.

FIG. 3 depicts a section view of the container assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The second container 300 is secured to the first container 200 and the cap 400 to keep the contents of the second container 300 separate from the first container 200 and also to secure the second container 300 so that the second container 300 is not damaged during transportation or storage. In the depicted embodiment, the first securing means 302 and the second securing means 304 of the second container 200 is a threaded style lock with the respective securing means of the cap 400 and the first container 200. It is shown that the second container 300 is a length that allows the cap 400 to have a hollow portion where the securing means 404 inserted. In additional embodiments, the securing means 404 of the cap 400 may extend a predetermined distance into the first container 200 to reach the second container 300. In the depicted embodiment, the

FIG. 4 depicts a cross section view of the container assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the first container 200 has a main compartment 205 and the compartment 306 in a unitary design, wherein the second container 300 is integrated into the bottom surface 203 of the main compartment 205 of the first container 200. A seal 500 is secured to the top surface 301 of the second container 300. The cap 400 has a protrusion 405 extending downward from an internal surface 406. The protrusion 405 is used to break the seal that is separating the compartment 306 from the main compartment 205. Due to the seal between the cap 400, the first container 200 and the second container 300, the contents of the compartment 306 cannot mix with the contents of the main compartment 205 until the cap 400 is removed. The protrusion 405 is shown puncturing the seal 500, so that when the cap 400 is removed, the contents of the compartments 205 and 306 can be mixed together at the time of removal from the container assembly 100.

The cap 400 is secured to the first container 200 via a threaded style lock and the second container 300 is secured to the cap 400 via a pressure fit style lock. When the cap 400 is removed, the second container 300 will be removed with the cap 400 thereby releasing the contents into the first container 200.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross section view of the container, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the cap 400 has a compartment 407 integrated into the cap 400, and the cap 400 is secured to the first container 200. The cap 400 has an extended portion 408 with a securing means 409 located at an open end 410. The compartment 407 is sealed from the main compartment 205 by a seal 500. The first container 200 has a protrusion 210 within the internal compartment of the extension 209, so that when the cap 400 is secured to the first container 200 and the securing means 409 is substantially secured to the first container 200, the protrusion punctures the seal 500. Thus because of the securing means 409 mating with the first container 200 and forming an air tight and water tight seal, the contents of the compartment 407 and the main compartment 205 will remain separate until the cap 400 is removed from the first container 200 and the contents will then mix.

In some embodiments, within the second securing means 204 is a protrusion that is designed to puncture the second container 300 or a seal that is used to cap the second container 300. Thus, because of the seal between the first container 200 and the second container 300 the contents of the second container 300 will not be released until the cap 400 is removed with the second container 300 attached to the cap 400.

The invention is inclusive of combinations of the embodiments or embodiments described herein. References to “a particular embodiment” or “embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “an embodiment” or “particular embodiments” or “embodiments” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments; however, such embodiments are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to “method” or “methods” and the like is not limiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. The present invention shall be easily carried out by an ordinary skilled person in the art, and any modifications and changes are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi container assembly comprising: a first container having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening with a first securing means distal to the opening and integrated within an internal cavity of the first container and a protrusion extends upwards towards the opening and a second securing means is disposed on the protrusion; a second container sized to fit within the opening of the first container having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has an opening and a first securing means distal to the opening and a second securing means distal to the second end, wherein the second securing means mates with the second securing means of the first container; and a cap having an internal cavity with a first securing means disposed on surface of the internal cavity designed to mate with the first securing means of the first container and a protrusion extending downward from the internal cavity, wherein the protrusion has a second securing means designed to mate with the first securing means of the second container, wherein when the cap is secured to the first container and the second container a substantially impervious seal is formed.
 2. The multi container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second securing means of the first container, the first and second securing means of the second container, and the first and second securing means of the cap are screw style locks.
 3. The multi container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second securing means of the first container, the first and second securing means of the second container, and the first and second securing means of the cap are pressure fit locking mechanisms.
 4. The multi container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first container has a neck distal to the first end and the first securing means is disposed on the neck portion of the first container.
 5. The multi container assembly of claim 1, wherein the second container is a substantially cylindrical shape.
 6. The multi container assembly of claim 1, wherein the second container has an opening at the second end.
 7. The multi container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a foil seal covering the first end and the second end of the second container.
 8. The multi container assembly of claim 7, wherein the protrusion extending upwards from the internal surface of the first container is substantially aligned with a central axis of the opening, wherein the protrusion punctures the foil seal covering the second end of the second container when the second container is substantially locked to the first container.
 10. The multi container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first container is substantially cylindrical in shape.
 11. A multi container assembly comprising: a container having a central axis and a first compartment substantially centered on the central axis with a first opening and a first securing means integrated distal to the first opening and a second compartment centered around the central axis and substantially separate from the first container having a second opening centered on the central axis and a second securing means integrated into the second compartment distal to the second opening; a cover sealed to the first opening, wherein an air tight seal is formed; and a cap having a third securing means and a fourth securing means, wherein the third securing means mates with the second securing means of the container and the fourth securing means mates with the first securing means of the container.
 12. The multi container assembly of claim 11, further comprising a protrusion integrated into the cap and positioned so that when the securing means are secured, the protrusion punctures the seal.
 13. The multi container assembly of claim 11, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth securing means are threaded.
 14. The multi container assembly of claim 11, wherein the first opening is positioned below the second opening within the second compartment.
 15. The multi container assembly of claim 11, wherein the second opening has a greater diameter than the first opening.
 16. The multi container assembly of claim 11, wherein the protrusion is sized to puncture a predetermined opening in the cover.
 17. The multi container assembly of claim 11, wherein the cover is a metal foil cover.
 18. A multi container assembly comprising: A cap having a central axis and a first compartment substantially centered on the central axis with a first opening and a first securing means integrated distal to the first opening and a second securing means centric to the central axis; a cover sealed to the first opening; and a container having a second opening sized to receive the first compartment of the cap and a third securing means integrated into an interior bottom surface of the container designed to mate with the first securing means, and a fourth securing means integrated distal to the second opening and designed to mate with the second securing means of the cap.
 19. The multi container assembly of claim 18, further comprising a protrusion integrated into the bottom surface of the container and positioned so that when the securing means are secured, the protrusion punctures the seal
 20. The multi container assembly of claim 18, wherein the first opening is positioned below the second opening within the second compartment. 